Journey to Impossible Places: The Fall Review for Christian Parents

Name: Journey to Impossible Places: The Fall
Author: Ted Dekker, H. R. Hutzel

Concern LevelMedium-Low

Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content

While there is not much to worry about for Christian parents, there is one main potentially concerning point we want to make sure you are aware of for young readers. This first book involves a plane crash experienced by the main character. The reader experiences this event in some detail. The kids all survive after a traumatic water landing, but the two adults disappear and they are stranded on a remote island with very little hope for rescue. This idea of a plane crashing may be a concept that some parents won’t want to introduce into their children’s minds if they are prone to worry, have not gotten comfortable with flying, etc. There is a bit of violence and threats of violence. The bad guys are said to be out to hunt down and kill ever descendant of the guardian’s, including children. We see hatred grow in a bully’s heart leading to a few incidents (some fighting, being held down and punched a couple times, desiring to kill the main character). None of these are over the top or too detailed. There are a couple of references to the older TV show “Lost” we wish hadn’t been included in a children’s book. We hear the word “idiot”.

VerdictHIGHLY Recommended

Our Thoughts

This is the latest series in Ted Decker’s collaborations to produce more children’s content for Christians. This time instead of one of his daughter’s he has collaborated with another author, H.R. Hutzel, that like Dekker has written a lot, but had previously focused on older audiences. Recently an additional 3 books were added under the titles “World of Impossible Things”, bringing the series to 6 titles. Those familiar with the other children’s series (And They Found Dragons, The Dream Travelers, Milly Maven), all of which we have reviewed the opening title of, will have a great idea of whether this title is a good fit for their children as it follows closely in that line as far as overall content. Each of these children’s series from Dekker has been really interesting in its own way, having a different feel thanks in part to the collaboration with different authors on each. This particular title is an engaging storyline. The series begins in our world, allowing readers to relate to the story, but eventually leads to a world that parallels ours, but with a more spiritually focused leaning. As with all of these series from this author, the main value outside of just being a clean and engaging story comes from identifying and diving into the Christian allegory (e.g., the main villain is one who was tempted by a wicked being disguised as a snake who completely deceived them, the “Light of the World” placed by the “Father of Lights” brought light to all the lands). That makes this and all of these stories a great candidate to read aloud together with your children. We also see the welcome addition of a more direct nod to our faith in a scene where a solid section of Luke is read in class, focusing on loving your enemies right after a bullying scene, which we really appreciated. Another great safe series for you anyone able to handle the main potential concern above.

Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.

Charlie is just an ordinary boy attending a special school in Montana where he feels like an outsider. He is hated by some and ignored by most. That all changes on a vacation to the Caribbean when the plane the students are flying on crashes on an island and vanishes without a trace. Cut off from the world and desperate to survive, the students must find a way to work together despite never ending conflict. But this is no ordinary island. It changes without warning. And it has a portal to another world called Lumina. So begins Charlies heroic journey on which he will have to discover the truth of who he really is, if any of the students hope to survive. Enter a wild adventure full of light and hope for ages 9 - 16. --- Series Description: Enter a world beyond your wildest dreams with Journey to Impossible Places. Join unlikely hero, Charlie, on a breathtaking adventure to the dark world of Lumina to find three keys and save the world from eternal darkness. This thrilling book is an allegory of our struggles to find acceptance and belonging in a demanding world. With light and hope at every turn, it's a story about self-discovery and the power of choice. Recommended for ages 9-16.

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